adjective
forbidden, prohibited
A1
Adjective meaning 'forbidden' or 'prohibited'. Often used predicatively ('Das ist verboten') and derived from the verb 'verbieten' (past participle). It’s non‑gradable in many contexts. Antonyms include 'erlaubt' and 'zugelassen'. Functions as a participial adjective; does not take particular prepositions. Common in signs and rules in formal and informal registers.
Examples
Der Zugang zum Park war verboten, weil das Gelände repariert wurde.
Access to the park was forbidden because the grounds were being repaired.
Der Zutritt ist für Unbefugte verboten.
Access is prohibited for unauthorized persons.
Rauchen ist hier verboten.
Smoking is forbidden here.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a red circle with a slash and the word 'verboten' stamped across it.
Sounds a bit like English 'verboten' is often used in English — 'forbidden'.
Notes
Verboten is a past participle used adjectivally (from verb 'verbieten').